One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for Easy Nights
Elevate your dinner game with One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta—delicious flavors come together effortlessly for a meal everyone will love! This dish is an absolute winner when you want a hearty meal that requires minimal cleanup while still delivering on taste and satisfaction. Imagine savoring a bowl brimming with perfectly cooked pasta, smoky sausage, and fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in one pot. If that sounds like your kind of meal, keep reading!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: With all ingredients cooked in just one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
- Quick Cooking Time: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoked sausage, aromatic spices, and fresh veggies creates a deliciously rich flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hearty dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making mealtime easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta truly shine. Each element plays its own role in providing flavor, texture, and color, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Smoked Sausage: This ingredient is your main protein, providing a rich, smoky flavor that infuses the entire dish.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite type; short pasta like penne or rotini holds sauce beautifully.
- Bell Peppers: These add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the smoky taste of the sausage.
- Onion: Sautéed onion adds depth and a fragrant base for the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: This is the cooking liquid that not only cooks the pasta but also imbues it with flavor.
- Olive Oil: A bit of oil is essential for sautéing and ensuring nothing sticks to the pot.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs enhances the taste and gives a nice Italian flair to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a final touch of creaminess and flavor; it’s a must for serving!
Variations for One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Feel free to customize the ingredients to make it your own!
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you enjoy a bit of heat in your pasta.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Protein Swap: Swap out smoked sausage for chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based sausage for a different protein experience.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

How to Make One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Broth
Pour in your chosen pasta and enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients, about 4 cups. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 4: Season Well
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Serve
Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta; al dente is the key to perfect texture.
- Adjust Liquid: If the mixture looks dry while cooking, add a bit more broth until your desired consistency is reached.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit for a couple of minutes off the heat can enhance the flavors.
- Upgrade Your Cheese: Try blending different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant touch and extra flavor.
How to Serve One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of black pepper, or freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad or garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce left in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in bowls or on a large platter for a more communal feel. For a fancy touch, garnish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth for moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative to suit your preferences.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, although broth will provide better flavor.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Of course! Adding more vegetables can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a delightful kick.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a simple yet delectable dish, look no further than One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta. This recipe delivers comforting flavors and a satisfying meal while saving you time on both cooking and cleaning. Don’t hesitate to try out this easy recipe—you and your loved ones will be glad you did!
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One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Meat-based
Description
Elevate your dinner game with One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta—delicious flavors come together effortlessly for a meal everyone will love! This dish is an absolute winner when you want a hearty meal that requires minimal cleanup while still delivering on taste and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Smoked Sausage
Pasta
- 12 oz Pasta (penne or rotini)
Vegetables
- 1 Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Cooking Ingredients
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Finishing Touch
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy.
- Add the Pasta and Broth: Pour in your chosen pasta and enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients, about 4 cups. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Season Well: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta; al dente is the key to perfect texture.
- Adjust Liquid: If the mixture looks dry while cooking, add a bit more broth until your desired consistency is reached.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit for a couple of minutes off the heat can enhance the flavors.
- Upgrade Your Cheese: Try blending different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant touch and extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: One-Pot, Smoked Sausage, Pasta, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly